Transport accommodation

ABSTRACT

A seat for, for example, an aircraft that has an open outer shell which embraces a seat portion, a seat back, a head rest and a foot rest when the seat is in an upright position. Also embraced by the shell are a pair of arm rests. The seat is reclinable into a bed configuration such that the seat portion is moved forwardly out of the open end of the shell. Simultaneously, the arm rests are movable between the raised position and the position substantially flush with the seat portion. In the bed configuration, the removal of the arm rests from the raised position significantly increases the width of the bed, thus enhancing the comfort of the user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to improvements in vehicle seats. Theinvention is particularly applicable to aircraft seats.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In keeping with reclinable seat arrangements in general, atypical aircraft passenger seat comprises a seat part, a seat back, aleg rest and a pair of arm rests. The seat back is movable between anupright position and a reclined position in which the back is at anattitude that is closer to the horizontal. The leg rest is likewisemovable between a lowered position in which it is tucked out of the wayagainst the front of the seat, and a raised position in which the legrest forms an effective extension of the seat portion.

[0003] The more elaborate types of aircraft seats are configurable as anapproximation of a bed. These are of particular benefit on long haulflights. Such an arrangement is usually found in first classaccommodation where the space afforded each passenger's seat is at itsgreatest. However, even though a greater amount of space is provided foreach seat in first class accommodation, there are still severerestrictions on space and weight that must be considered when designingthe seat itself and the arrangement of the seats in the cabin.

[0004] When the seat back is reclined and the leg rest is raised, theseat occupant is able to rest in a recumbent posture more comfortablefor sleeping. Although the first class seat is wide in comparison toeconomy and business class seats, it is still restricted as a bed. Aconsiderable amount of the width is taken up in the side arms which aremade as part of the structure within which the seat components aremounted. In conventional thinking, the fact that arm rests are necessaryis put to advantage by using them as stowage space for a foldable table,and seat and entertainment controls, etc. However, if anything, theiradditional uses have tended to increase the width of the arms. Thisrequires that the seat portion be narrower or the seat as a whole bewider.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a more comfortablesleeping arrangement than the prior art reclined seat allows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to the first aspect of the invention, there is provideda seat for an aircraft, comprising a seat portion, at least one side armand a side member adjacent the or each arm, the at least one side armbeing movable between a deployed position, in which an upper surface ofthe side arm is arranged as an arm rest in relation to the seat, and aretracted position, in which the side arm is moved from the deployedposition to create a greater width of seat.

[0007] Also according to the invention, there is provided a seat for anaircraft cabin composing a seat portion, a back portion and at least oneside arm, the back portion being movable between upright and reclinedpositions, and the seat portion being movable forwardly to accommodatethe back portion in the reclined position, wherein the at least one sidearm is movable forwardly with the seat portion.

[0008] Another aspect of a reclinable aircraft passenger seat is themovement of the seat back into the “space” of the passenger behind. Aseat, defined from somewhere behind the back of the seat in front to theseat back, is a form of territory. The passenger is likely to feel thatspace invaded by reclining the seat back of the seat in front into it.Even in the relatively less dense seating in first class accommodation,this can be irritating. Passengers paying premium rates for first classtravel are least inclined to put up with this type of encroachment intotheir territory.

[0009] To address this, it has been proposed to define the territory thepassenger occupies by means of a fixed shell in which the seat isadjustable. Within the confines of the shell, the passenger is able toadjust the seat such that the passenger behind is unaware of anyadjustment. The seat has a fixed space defined by the shell that is notmodified by the actions of the occupant at any time. However, the seatinside a fixed shell is likely to be elaborate, complicated and costlyin correction. It is also likely to be significantly heavier because ofthe extra padding required. The fixed shell is also a compromise on theversatility of the seat adjustment if the shell is not to be excessivelylarge in the first place.

[0010] It is also an object of the invention to accommodate versatileadjustment of the seat without compromising the space available to otherpassengers.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, there is providedan aircraft in which the inboard line of seats includes rows ofpluralities of seats arranged in a mutually converging relationship.

[0012] Furthermore, the provision of ancillary equipment such as atelevision monitor, a table surface, stowage space, etc. have beenprovided according to largely the same formula up to now. For example,the television monitor or table surface is stored in the seat. This isoften inconvenient to use, requiring a sequence of maneuvers to bringthe item into usable position. It can also add to the bulk of the sideof the seat when space requirements may place an emphasis on making theseat as narrow as possible.

[0013] The invention also provides a passenger seat for an aircraftcomposing a seat and a console in front of the seat the consolecontaining ancillary equipment for use by the seat occupant.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide ancillary equipmentin a space-efficient and convenient arrangement in a seat for anaircraft.

[0015] Thus, also according to the invention there is provided astowable table for a vehicle accommodation unit, comprising a bulkheadpanel for supporting the table, a table top pivotably mounted to thebulkhead to be pivotable between an deployed position and a storedposition about a pivot point which is recessed in relation to the bulkhead, and a groove defined in the bulk head, the top being receivable,in the deployed position, along the groove such that the top ismaintained in the deployed position when received in the groove.

[0016] The invention also provides a seat for an aircraft comprising aseat, a console for ancillary equipment in front of the seat, a sideunit extending from one side of the seat to the console and having aguide therein, a table surface mounted to run along the guide between astowed position in the console and a deployed position outside theconsole.

[0017] According to the invention, there is further provided a displayscreen console for a vehicle accommodation unit comprising a displayscreen, a display screen storage space and a storage space cover inwhich the storage space cover is movable to an open position to allowthe display screen to be moved between a display position and stowedposition and the storage space cover is further movable to a closedposition to cover the stowage space when the display screen is in eitherposition.

[0018] Another problem associated with the reclined aircraft passengerseat configured as a bed is that it has marked undulations defined bythe different attitudes at which the back, seat portion and leg restlie. A normal bed is flat. This allows the various contours of the humanform to be accommodated by the cushioning effect that a mattress has. Itis far less the case with a reclinable aircraft seat unless the designof the seat is of sufficient complexity to allow the seat components tolie flat. The added complexity may have attendant space and weightdisadvantages.

[0019] If the undulating form of the reclined seat can be considered tohave peaks and troughs, the rise to the peak at which the end of theseat meets the leg rest generally coincides with the hip bone of therecumbent occupant. This is an unyielding extremity that should beabsorbed by a cushioning part of the seat, but is not. Similarly, thewaist region above the hip is often a recess in the human form. This ismet by a trough at the junction of the seat back and the seat portionwhich can be painful on the spine if the occupant sleeps on one side foran extended period.

[0020] As a further complication, the seat must be able to adoptconfigurations intermediate to the fully upright and bed positions. Inso doing, the seat components should be arrangeable in a form that issympathetic with the body in a recumbent, but not supine, posture.

[0021] Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a seat that canadopt a bed configuration and is able to support the recumbent humanform more comfortably.

[0022] According to the invention, there is also provided a seat for anaircraft comprising a seat portion and a back portion, the back portionbeing movable between a substantially upright and a reclined position inrelation to the seat portion, the seat portion being movable forwardlyto accommodate the back portion in the reclined position, the seatfuller comprising a first member arranged toward the front of the seatportion, which member is adjustable as a support to compensate forundulations in the seat when the back portion is in the reclinedposition.

[0023] The facilities associated with an aircraft seat often include atable that can be folded away when it is not needed. Conventionally, afoldable table is stowed in the area of the seat. However, it has nowbeen recognized that the table can be stowed not as part of the seatitself to allow greater flexibility in seat design.

[0024] Thus, it is also an object of the invention to provide a stowabletable for a vehicle accommodation unit that is arranged to have lessimpact on the design of the seat.

[0025] While the seating in a first class cabin of an aircraft isconsiderably less dense than it is in business or economy class, thearrangement of the seats in rows is not conducive to affording the seatoccupants much privacy. It is possible to install small screens betweenseats that can be raised and lowered by one of the occupants at will.However, the act of raising the screen can be viewed as an anti-socialact in itself which may make some people reticent about using it at all.It is preferable to arrange the seats to afford the same requisite levelof privacy, such that erection of further privacy aids by the seatoccupant is likely to be needed.

[0026] It is a further object of the invention to provide a seatarrangement that affords a sense of a greater degree of privacy than iscommonly used seating arrangements in vehicle accommodations.

[0027] Further problems with known consoles arise when maintenance,repair, installation or removal of a seating unit is required. In orderto keep aircraft ground time as low as possible, it is desirable to beable to carry out those steps as quickly as possible. To facilitaterapid access to the fastenings holding each seating unit in place, inparticular those provided behind the unit, it is preferable to provide agap of 3″ (7.5 cm) between the back of one console and the front consoleof the unit behind. This allows the bolts or other fastenings to beeasily reached and provides room for manipulation of the work tools. Inknown systems incorporating a fixed shell behind the back portion of theseat, this gives rise to problems, in particular over a number ofseating units, in that, the amount of cabin space available is reduced.

[0028] It is an object of the invention to provide an aircraft seatcapable of being accessed for removal or maintenance quickly and easily.

[0029] According to the invention, there is provided a seat for anaircraft comprising a seat portion, a back portion which is movablebetween an upright position and a reclined position, and a back shellarranged behind the back portion, at least a lower portion of the shellbeing movable rearwardly to accommodate the back portion in the reclinedposition.

[0030] In the upright position, therefore, working space formaintenance, etc. is provided behind the back shell. However, when theseat moves into the reclined position, this space is filled. As aresult, the fastenings behind the seat are easily accessible without anyreduction in the cabin space available for passenger accommodation.

[0031] The present invention is defined in the accompanying independentclaims. Some preferred features of the invention are recited in thedependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The invention can be put into practice in various ways, some ofwhich will now be described by way of example with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

[0033]FIG. 1 is a partial lateral cross-section of an aircraft cabin;

[0034]FIG. 2 illustrates a seat according to the invention;

[0035]FIG. 3 illustrates the seat of FIG. 2 in a reclined position;

[0036]FIG. 4 is a fragmented view of the cladding and trim of the seatof FIG. 2;

[0037]FIG. 5 shows detail of the frame structure of the seat of FIG. 2;

[0038]FIGS. 6 and 7 show detail of an alternative to part of the seatmechanism of the frame structure of FIG. 5;

[0039]FIG. 8 is a cut-away view of the seat of FIG. 2;

[0040]FIG. 9 is a partial lateral cross-section of the bulkhead of thecabin of FIG. 1;

[0041]FIGS. 10 and 11 are plans of alternative seating arrangements forthe cabin of FIG. 1;

[0042]FIGS. 12a) and b) illustrate a side view and plan of a fullerembodiment of the invention; and

[0043]FIGS. 13a) and b) illustrate the seat of FIGS. 12a) and b)configured as a bed;

[0044]FIGS. 14a) and b) illustrate a further embodiment of theinvention;

[0045]FIGS. 15a) to e) illustrate the seat configuration of FIG. 14 in abed configuration;

[0046]FIGS. 16a) and b) illustrate the seat of FIG. 14 in use;

[0047]FIGS. 17a) and b) illustrate the movement of part of the seat ofFIG. 14;

[0048]FIGS. 18a) to e) illustrate a seat mechanism;

[0049]FIG. 19 illustrates a detail of a table carriage;

[0050]FIGS. 20a) to d) illustrate a further embodiment of the inventionin use;

[0051]FIG. 21 illustrates detail of a table and carriage;

[0052]FIG. 22 illustrates the table of FIG. 21 in the seat of FIG. 14;

[0053]FIGS. 23a) and b) illustrate a variant on the seat of FIG. 14;

[0054]FIG. 24 illustrates a modification of the seat of FIG. 14;

[0055] FIGS. 25 to 27 are plans of aircraft cabin spaces stowing seatingarrangements;

[0056]FIG. 28 is a side view showing a display screen mountingarrangement;

[0057]FIGS. 28a) to 29 d) show, schematically, aspects of anarticulation mechanism for a seat in a “S” seating position;

[0058]FIG. 30 shows, schematically, the seat of FIGS. 29a) to 29 d) in apartially reclined position; and

[0059]FIG. 31 shows, schematically, the seat of FIGS. 29a) to 29 d) in areclined position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0060] Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a cross-section through thefirst class cabin space of an aircraft fuselage 10 is shown. Itcomprises two outboard lines of seats 12/14 running fore and aft and adouble inboard line of seats 16. The spaces between the lines of seatsare the aisles 18 running generally along the aircraft. FIG. 1illustrates two alternative cabin arrangements. To the left of thecentral broken line I-I, the outer line of seats comprises single seats12. To the right of the central broken line, the outer row of seatscomprises a double row of seats 14. The fuselage comprises an outer skin17 and an inner bulkhead 19.

[0061] One of the seats is shown in FIG. 2. In this case, it is a singleline seat 12. It comprises a seat portion 20, a back rest 22, a headrest 24, a pair of side arms 26 and a leg rest 28. The seat componentsare contained within a seat shell 30. A privacy screen 32 is mounted onone or both sides of the shell 30, depending on the position of the seatrelative to the others. An ancillary side unit 35 is positioned in thespace between the seat and the aircraft bulkhead. The ancillary sideunit 35 houses a storage locker, table and mountings for a combined seatand entertainment control unit.

[0062] The ancillary units 35 for a pair of central seats 16 extendbetween the seats on the sides remote from the respective aisles 18.

[0063] As with any conventional seat for an aircraft on a long haulroute, it is important that it functions well both as a seat and as aplace for sleeping. Turning a seat into a bed, while keeping to thespace, weight and crash load requirements for an aircraft, involvescompromises. Usually, this has resulted in the seat not transforminginto a sleeping surface that is completely acceptably comfortable.

[0064] As indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the head rest 24 at the top of theback rest 22 projects out of the top of the rear of the shell 30 in theseat configuration. The various other components of the seat emergeoutwardly from the open front of the shell to form a bed. The seatportion 20 slides forward supported on a slide 34. The leg rest 28rotates upwardly about its connection with the seat portion 20. A footrest 31 emerges telescopically from the projecting leg rest 28. As theseat portion 20 moves forward, the back rest 22 and the head rest 24recline into a substantially horizontal attitude behind it.

[0065] In previous seats for aircraft, the comfort afforded by the seatin the bed configuration is compromised by the lack of width. To addressthis, the seat according to the invention also has the side arms 26arranged to be movable with respect to the shell 30. The side arms moreforward with the seat portion 20 as the seat is reconfigured into a bed,As a beneficial addition to the effective width of the bed, the sidearms 26 are also collapsible to lie substantially flush with the upperlevel of the seat portion. In the recumbent position, the average personwill find that his or her bottom would normally be adjacent the sidearms 26 when they are advanced with the seat portion. Thus, by beingable to retract the side arms, or otherwise move them out of the way,the effective width of the bed is optimized in the area where the widthis often most needed.

[0066] In order for each arm to move out of the way, when the seat isarranged as a bed, it can move down flush with or below the seat asshown in FIGS. 3 and 5. Alternatively, it could retract sideways intothe cladding. Furthermore, the arm may be arranged to move with the seatbetween seat and bed configurations or it could retract in the sameposition and not move with the moving seat. In these alternative forms,the effective width of the seat is increased by the retraction of eitheror both arms.

[0067]FIG. 4 illustrates the components of the seat shell 30 and theadjacent ancillary side unit 35 for an outer seat. The shell comprises amain bucket part 36 that extends around the seat components. Variouspieces of trim and cladding 38, 40, 42, 44 are mounted on the outside ofthe bucket. The privacy screen 32 is retractable within the spacebetween one side of the bucket 36 and the side cladding 42 under thepower of a motor 46 mounted to the bucket. The side of the bucket 36 andthe cladding 42 define an aperture through which the screen 32 projectsin the deployed position. The storage compartment is defined between theinner bulkhead 19 for the fuselage 10 and a side wall 48 which alsoforms cladding for the fuselage side of the bucket 36.

[0068] The utilities units for a pair of central seats 16 extend betweenthe seats and the sides remote from the respective aisles.

[0069] One mechanism for driving the seat between the seat and bedconfigurations will now be described with reference to FIG. 5. Thevarious cushions of the seat are mounted on an articulated framearrangement. A seat frame 60 is mounted on a seat carriage 62 that is,in turn, mounted on a pair of wheels 64 (one shown), on one lateralside, and in a drive unit 66 on the other side. The drive unit 66comprises a longitudinally extending retaining channel 68 into whichextends a downwardly turned lip 70 of the carriage 62. The end of thelip runs on a set of ball races (not shown) in the channel 68. Athreaded worm (not shown) attached to the rear end of the lip 70 isengaged by a worm screw 72 attached to a drive motor 74 mounted on afloor plate 76. The seat portion is driven backwards or forwardsaccording to the rotation of the screw 72 as driven by the motor 74,

[0070]FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an alternative drive arrangement for theseat carriage 62. A carriage bracket 78 supports a pair of spaced ballraces 79, the bracket is formed with an internally threaded hole 75. Thehole is engaged with the worm screw 72 that is driven by the motor 74.As the screw 72 rotates under the power of the motor, the seat carriage,attached to the bracket 78, is drawn along the retaining channel 68 onthe ball races 79.

[0071] A leg rest frame 80 is pivotably attached to the front of theseat frame 60 by a laterally extending front pin 82. The leg rest frame80 comprises a pair of spaced members 84 on each of which is a slidableextension frame 86 for the foot rest 31. The extension frames 86 aredriven by a rack and pinion 88/90 powered by a motor 92. As the leg rest28 is deployed, the extension frame 86 is caused to project beyond themembers 84 until prevented from further movement. Thereafter, the rack88 drives the leg rest upwardly to lie substantially in the plane of theseat frame 60 with the foot rest 31 deployed.

[0072] A back frame 94 is pivotably secured to the rear of the seatframe 60. A motor 96 drives the back frame 94 to rotate about its pivotthrough a drive shaft 98 engaging a quadrant gear 100 through a gearwheel 102.

[0073] Each of a pair of side arm frames 103 comprises an articulatedmember which is pivotably secured at each respective end to the backframe 94 and to the seat frame 60. As the back is reclined, the distancebetween the two pivots of each side arm frame 103 is increased, causingthe components of the side arm frame to be drawn flat. When the backframe 94 is lying substantially flush with the seat frame 60, the sidearm frames also lie substantially in the plane of the seat frame 60.When the back frame is raised, each side arm frame 103 articulates aboutits joint to be raised into a deployed position above the level of theseat frame 60.

[0074] It will be appreciated by the person of ordinary skill in the artthat the side arms can be raised and lowered in other ways, such as bybeing moved vertically, independently of the movement of the seat backframe. Also, the side arms can be moved in other ways so as to increasethe effective width of the seat as a bed. For example, each side armcould be folded laterally sideways about a hinge extending fore and aftin relation to the seat, so that it rolls into the seat shell to presenta side surface flush with the seat surface.

[0075] Instead of a mechanical frame defining the side arm, it ispossible to use an inflatable arm bladder which is deflatable tocollapse the arm rest for sleeping. The arm bladder is inflated by anair pump and vented using an electrically operated valve assembly, aswill be apparent to the skilled person.

[0076] In FIG. 8, the semi-reclined seat is shown partially cut away toillustrate the cushioning. While it is possible to orientate thecomponents of the seat to make a substantially flat bed of thecomponents themselves, it can be mechanically more convenient to arrangethe seat frame components simply to adopt a more undulating profile inthe fully reclined position. However, this is not completelysatisfactory as a bed because the protruding parts of the human anatomycan coincide with the higher parts of an undulating seat surface and,similarly, recesses in the human anatomy can coincide with troughs inthe seat surface. To counter this, the seat has an inflatable frontbladder 104 within a seat cushion 106 towards the front thereof. Thereis also an inflatable lumbar bladder 108 in the base of a back cushion110. By inflation of these two bladders, it is possible to compensatefor the undulations in the seat cushions to provide support for thoseparts of the body to either side of the hip. Similarly, the head restcushion 112 has a head bladder 114 in it which can be inflated to createthe effect of a pillow of a height which is comfortable to the user.

[0077] The bladders are individually inflated by electrically driven airpumps and deflated using electrically operated vent valves. The skilledperson will be aware of the suitable air pumps and vent valves. Thesewill not be described further here except to point out that the mostsuitable type of equipment will fit in the seat or be mounted in theside unit adjacent to the seat.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 9a)-c), as part of the fuselage side utilitiesmat 35, there is a foldable table. The moulding of the storage locker isformed with a recess 120. A table surface 122 is hingedly supportedtoward the top of the recess on a shaft 124. The shaft 124 extends alonga groove 126 in the storage locker (see FIGS. 2 and 3). By rotating thetable surface 122 about its hinge into a horizontal attitude, the endnearest the shaft comes into registry win the groove 126 and can be slidalong the groove towards the seat, and the seat occupant, for use. Thetable surface 122 is received in the groove 126 and is thus maintainedin the horizontal attitude. When the table is finished with, it can bepushed back to line up with the recess, folded and stored substantiallyflat next to the storage locker.

[0079] The arrangement of seats 12, 16 is illustrated in FIG. 10 for afirst class cabin of twelve seats in a wide bodied aircraft, such as aBoeing 747. All the seats in the cabin are arranged facing parallel withthe axis of the fuselage 10. As a primary concern in the provisions ofcomfortable surroundings for first class travel is privacy, the lines ofseats are arranged in a staggered relationship. The single outer seats12 are longitudinally out of alignment with the double inner seats 16.The staggering also affords more room to maneuver in the aisles 18 asthe widest parts of the seats, i.e. across the sides of the seat shell,are not coincident. The seats are all shown in the seat configuration.It will be appreciated that each seat according to the invention is ableto assume a bed configuration.

[0080]FIG. 11 shows a sixteen seat arrangement for a first class cabinin which the lines of seats are again staggered while remaining facingparallel to the axis of the fuselage. It will be seen that the rearseats of the three rows in this embodiment are in alignment because ofspace requirements. As with the seats in FIG. 10, the seats in FIG. 11are able to assume either a seat or a bed configuration, although theyare shown in the bed configuration.

[0081]FIGS. 12a) and b) and 13 a) and b) illustrate a further form ofseat according to the invention. In this embodiment, the seat comprisesa seat portion 200, a seat back (including a headrest) 202, and a legrest 206 which are all mounted between a pair of side flanks 208. In theseat configuration, the seat back 202 extends upwardly out of the sideflanks 208. An orientable head rest 204 is mounted on the top of theseat back 202.

[0082] A back shell 210 is pivotably suspended between the side flanks208. The back shell comprises a back portion 212 and a pair of wings 214which embrace the back rest. 202 afford privacy to the seat user at headlevel. A motor (not shown) is arranged to drive the back shell 210 asthe seat is reclined. The back shell 210 tips forward to accommodate thelowered head rest 204 as shown in FIG. 13a).

[0083] A forward console or shelf arrangement 215 for some ancillaryequipment is positioned in front of the seat. It comprises a pair ofside walls supporting a lower shelf 216 which defines a lower storagespace 218 for small items of luggage, such as a briefcase or vanitycase. The top of the forward console 215 is formed with an inclined topsurface 22. This inclined top surface 220 acts as a discouragement tothe seat occupant from placing drinks on the unit.

[0084] A retractable table 222 is stowed in the region below the surface220. The table 222 is mounted on a carriage, on one side, which isreceived in a slot 224 in the bulkhead moulding 226 of the utilitiesunit. The table 222 can be slid along the slot 224 to a position abovethe lap of the seat user without the need to reorient it from another(e.g., vertical) stowed position.

[0085] Ancillary equipment and controls for use by the seat occupant, asare typically found in the first class cabin of a commercial aircraft,are arranged along the bulkhead moulding 226 near the seat. The moulding226 is bolted both to the adjacent side shell 208 and to the forwardconsole 215. Typical ancillary equipment includes a magazine rack 230, afoldable cocktail table 232, a combined telephone and seat controller234, an ash tray 236 and a television monitor 238.

[0086] The seat is rearranged into a bed similarly to the way previouslydescribed. The seat portion 200 is slid forwards under motor power. Asthis happens, the seat back 202 and the headrest 204 follow, recliningabove the space vacated by the seat portion 200.

[0087] It will be seen from FIG. 13a) that the end of the head rest 204protrudes rearwardly beyond the ride flanks 208. A pivot 240 about whichthe back shelf 210 tilts forwardly is closer to allow the bottom of theback shell 210 to accommodate this fully reclined position of the headrest 204. The pivot 240 is located across the wings 214 (FIG. 12), abovethe base of the seat back 202 where it meets the seat portion 200. Thus,as the seat back is reclined, the path swept by the head rest 204 isaccommodated by the tilt of the back shell 212 which causes the base ofthe back shell to move outwardly into a gap 242 in front of the seatbehind. Thus, in contrast to previously known reclinable seats, the backis perceived to tilt forward away from the space of the passenger behindas the back rest is reclined.

[0088] The forward console or shelf arrangement 215 of the seat behindis spaced from the seat in front by the gap 242 into which the base ofthe back shell 202 projects. This outward movement of the back shell 202is unobserved by the passenger to the rear because of the forward unit.The only movement observed by the passenger to the rear is of the backshell pivoting forwardly, as the seat back is reclined, or backwardlyinto the upright position, as the seat is moved into the seatconfiguration. When the seat is arranged into the seat configuration,the back shell 202 only moves towards the gap 242 and does not encroachupon the territory of the passenger to the rear, as defined to the frontby the front end of the console 215.

[0089] As the seat back 204 is reclined and the seat portion 200 movesforward, the leg rest 206 is raised and a front rest 244 moves out. Inthe bed configuration, the leg rest and the foot rest lie substantiallyparallel with the seat portion, projecting into the well of the console215 defused between the shelf 216 and the stowed table 222. To supportthe extended leg rest 206 and foot rest 244, a pin (or pins) on the endof the foot rest locate a socket in the wall of the forward unit.Alternatively, the leg rest and/or the foot rest could rest on the shelf216.

[0090] The seat portion is movable either on a carriage, or by means ofa slide assembly as shown in FIG. 5. Similarly, FIG. 5 illustrates howthe articulation of the component parts of the seat can be achieved. Itwould also be apparent to the skilled person that the articulation ofthe back shell relative to the side shell can be put into effect using asimilar motorized gear mechanism.

[0091] The motorized movements of the seat described above arecontrolled and coordinated by a controller that is software programmedaccordingly. To configure the seat as a bed or a seat, the occupant hasonly to press the correct button on the seat control panel. Thecoordination of the movement of the seat components in the embodimentsdescribed herein under software control is not part of this inventionand will not be described in any further detail. Also, while automaticcoordination of movement of the seat components is required whenchanging the seat into a bed, and vice versa, the movement of the legrest, the foot rest, and any desired intermediate position for the backrest relative to the seat portion is independently controllable by theseat occupant.

[0092] FIGS. 14 to 24 show further embodiments of the invention. InFIGS. 14a) and b), the seat units for opposite outboard single lines ofseats 12 comprise a seat 300, a side unit 302 for storage and a frontconsole 304 which is connected with the side unit 302. The seat 300 isaccessed from the side opposite the side unit 302.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 17, it will be seen that theseat comprises seat sides or side flanks 306 and a back shell 308,having side wings 309, which is movable with respect to the flanks 306.Within the moveable components of the shell, a seat back 310, a seatportion 312 and leg rest 313 are configurable as a seat or a bed asbefore.

[0094] As the seat components are moved between upright and bedconfigurations, the back shell 308 first moves backwardly and downwardlyand tilts forwardly about a lower pivot point P to accommodate the headrest of the moving seat back 310. Then, as the seat moves furthertowards the bed configuration, the back shell 308 tilts further,shifting further rearwardly and dropping to provide a full bed length.

[0095] The seat 300 will be required for use in a position intermediateto the upright and bed configurations at some times. While the seatportion 312 can provide the seating surface simply by moving on, forexample, a slide as described above, it is preferable that the seatportion 312′ tilts upwardly at the front in the intermediate positionssuch that the user is cradled about the hip while seated. This isconsidered to be a more comfortable intermediate position than if theseat was simply horizontal, in which arrangement the user tends to slipforward on the seat over time.

[0096] As with previous embodiments, the user's feet in this embodimentare received within a foot well 346. However, in this embodiment thefront structure 304 defining the foot well is formed with a recess inwhich a television monitor 348 is stored. Also, the foot well 346 isusefully used to accommodate a stowed table 350. The table is supportedon one side in a channel 352 by means of a carriage arrangement 324which is shown in more detail in FIG. 19. The carriage has a rubberbrake 326 which is actuated to engage a surface of the channel 352 inorder to brake the table in position by a series of linkages and ahand-operated lever (not shown). Thus, the table is already in adeployed arrangement even in the stowed position. The channel for thetable extends into the region of the arm rests of the seat in order thatthe table can be pulled up close to the body of the user seated in theupright position (See FIG. 17b).

[0097]FIGS. 20a) to d) illustrate a further alternative form of theinvention in which the seat is supported by a dolly wheel 342 thatextends from beneath the seat portion 312 toward the front.

[0098] Also in this embodiment, the orientations of the seat back shell308 in the upright, intermediate reclined and bed positions is shown inFIG. 20c). It will be seen that the shell drops downwardly as the seatis relined and then tips forwardly as the head rest reaches the bedposition in order to accommodate the fill bed length. In this way, theseat back shell does not extend over the front console 304 of the seatunit behind.

[0099]FIG. 17 illustrates the movement of the back shell 308 as the seatis adjusted between the seat and the bed configurations. Position A isfor the upright seat. Progressing to the intermediate position, the backshell 308 firstly begins to drop downwardly through position B so thatthe wings 309 of the shell 308 move generally with the head rest,maintaining the same degree of privacy at head level for the seatoccupant. Thereafter, as the head rest is lowered to the bedconfiguration, the back shelf tilts forward to position C about a pivotpoint P which is located about one-third of the length of the back shelffrom the bottom. In this way, the wider (upper) parts of the wing 309 ofthe back shell 308 are closer to the seat flanks, maintaining the senseof privacy for the seat occupant when lying down. It will be apparentfrom FIG. 17 that the pivot point P is fixed relative to tile back shell308.

[0100] One mechanism by which the seat components are movable is shownin the upright, intermediate and bed configurations in FIGS. 18a) to c).The mechanism comprises a pair of side members 320 (one shown) whichsupport a seat frame part 322 which is movable forwardly on a slidearrangement (not shown). As the seat frame 322 progresses forwardly, ittakes with it a hingedly connected back frame 324. The path followed bythe back frame 324 is dictated by a slotted member 326 along which ridesa bearing 328 attached to the back frame 324. An independently actuatedleg rest frame 330 is hingedly connected with the forward end of theseat frame 322. A first hydraulic actuator 332 is connected between oneor each of the side members 320 and the seat frame 322. A secondhydraulic actuator 334 is connected between the frame 322 and the legrest 330.

[0101] A seat sub-frame 336 is hingedly connected with the forward partof the seat frame 322. The sub-frame 336 supports the seat portion 312of the seat. It will be noted that an upper edge 338 of the side member320 is formed with an undulating profile on which rides a bearing 340connected with the rear end of the sub-frame 336. An articulated linkage344 is pivotably connected between a point towards the lower end of theback frame 324 and the end of the sub-frame 336. A dolly wheel 342 isattached to the front of the sub-frame 336. As with previousembodiments, a foot rest (not shown) is telescopically received in theleg rest 330.

[0102] From the upright position shown in FIG. 18a), it will be seenthat the linkage 344 is filly extended, holding the back of thesub-frame up above the edge 338. The seat frame 322 moves forwardly outof the member 320, taking with it the sub-frame 336 and drawing down theback frame 324. The slotted member is free moving, altering its attitudeas the base of the back frame 324 is drawn forward by the moving seatframe 322. As the back reclines, it lowers the sub-frame gradually torest on the edge 338. The sub-frame 336 follows an initial trough in theprofile of the edge 338. This lowers the rear of the seat portion 312 inthe intermediate positions to cradle the hips of the seat occupant.Thereafter, the rear of the sub-frame 336 is caused to rise on theprofile, such that the seat part is substantially in a plane with theseat back 310 in the fully reclined bed configuration.

[0103] In the bed configuration, the dolly wheel 342 supports theotherwise cantilevered seat frame 322. The leg rest and foot rest areindependently acceptable. However, to configure the seat as a bed,movement of the leg rest 330 and the foot rest are also automaticallycoordinated with the progression of the seat frame 322. While hydraulicactuation is shown, it is possible to actuate the seat components inother ways, such as by direct motor drive as previously described.

[0104] With reference to FIG. 22, as with previous embodiments, the legrest and foot rest in this embodiment are received within a foot well346 in the forward console 304 in which a television monitor 348 isstored. The television monitor 348 is pivotably mounted on a slide onwhich it can be rotated flat and slid back into a storage slot in thetop of the console 304 or slid out and erected to provide a screenfacing the seat occupant. Also, the console 304 is usefully used to stowa table 350. The table is supported on one side in a channel 352 bymeans of a carriage arrangement 354 which is shown in more detail inFIGS. 21a) and b). The carriage has a friction brake 356 which is biasedto engage a surface of the channel 352 in order to brake the table inposition by a series of linkages 358 and a hand-operated lever 360.Thus, the table 350 is already in a deployed attitude in the stowedposition. The seat occupant simply has to pull on the lever 360 both torelease the table 350 and pull it out for use. The channel 352 for thetable extends into the region of the arm rest formed in the top of theflank 306 in order that the table can be pulled up close to the body ofthe user seated in the upright position (See FIG. 22).

[0105]FIG. 23 illustrates the seat of FIG. 14b) in which the side unit302 is formed with a louvered opening 361 adjacent the front of the seatjust above floor level. Similarly, there is a louvered opening 362 atthe rear of the side unit 302 and a similar opening 364 at the front ofthe side unit 302. These provide decompression vents for the enclosedspace of the side unit 302. For this purpose, stiffening webs 366 insidethe side unit 302 are formed with openings to allow a free flow of airwithin the side unit space.

[0106]FIG. 24 shows a modification of the previously described seat in adouble row arrangement. A privacy screen 370 is hingedly connected withthe side unit 302. The screen is actuated to rise out of the side unit302 through its slot by means of a telescopic gas strut 372. It mayalternatively be motor or manually actuated. It will be appreciated thatcomplementary seats in the lines 16 and 14 can be arranged together witha pair of privacy screens for individual use by each occupant, asopposed to the single screen shown in FIG. 24.

[0107]FIG. 25 illustrates a 16-seat arrangement for an extended firstclass accommodation area. It will be seen that the arrangement issimilar to that in FIG. 11. The seats in adjacent lines are staggered sothat each has more privacy with respect to the line on the opposite sideof the aisle. However, the outer lines of seats follow the shape of theadjacent fuselage. Also, the double seats in the inner line point towardeach other. As the fuselage narrows the converging pairs of seat provideadditional aisle space in the narrower nose part of the cabin.

[0108]FIG. 26 illustrates a 12 seat arrangement similar to that in FIG.10 except, again, for the converging pairs of seats in the inner row andthe outer lines of seats following the shape of the fuselage.

[0109] To reduce the extent of the extended first class accommodation inFIG. 25, it is possible to modify the rearmost outboard seatarrangements 376 by bring them forward as shown in FIG. 27. However,this causes the standard length seat unit to intrude upon the space bythe front cabin doors that must be kept clear for take-off and landing.Thus, the front console 380 on these rear outer seats is modified tohave an extendible front bulkhead 382 which can be moved outwardly intothe door space in flight and retracted for take off and landing.

[0110] Referring now to FIG. 28 an alternative configuration for adisplay screen such as a television monitor 400 is shown. The displayscreen 400 is mounted on the forward console 304, at a suitable heightfor ease of viewing by an occupant of the seat 300. In the embodimentshown, the monitor 400 is placed at the top of the console 304 and thetop of the console 304 is accordingly of a suitable height. The monitor400 is pivotally mounted about a substantially horizontal axisperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the accommodation unit as awhole and provided at the edge of the console 304 closest to the seat.The monitor 400 is, thus, pivotable between a display position 402 a)and a stowed position 402 b). The pivot axis is shown generally at 401.The monitor 400 is joined to the axis 401 by a bracket 403 and isfurther pivoted to the top end of the bracket 403 at a further pivotaxis 405. Accordingly, when the monitor 400 is in the display position,it is adjustable about this further pivot axis 405 to a desired viewingposition by the user, one such position being shown at 402 c).

[0111] A console cover 406 is further provided. The cover 406 ispositioned to close the area in which the console is stowed in itsstowed position 402 b). As a result, the cover 406 provides protectionfor the monitor 400 when it is stowed away. The cover 406 is alsocloseable when the monitor 400 is in the display position 402 a) toprevent other objects being placed in the storage space which couldinterfere with subsequent operation. In either configuration, the cover406 preserve the aesthetic line of the accommodation unit as a whole.The cover 406 is pivotably mounted about an axis parallel to pivot axis401 but at the opposed side of the top of the console 304. Accordingly,the cover 406 simply pivots up and out of the way to allow the monitor400 to be moved between stowed and display positions, and pivots backdown to cover the top of the console 304.

[0112] Movement of the monitor 400 between its stowed and displayedpositions, and incorporating movement of the cover 406 may be achievedeither manually or by an automatic drive mechanism as appropriate. Itwill be appreciated that other mounting arrangements other than pivotingarrangements, for example retracting or sliding arrangements, could beused for either or both the monitor 400 and cover 406. Alternatively,the pivot mountings for the monitor 400 and cover 406 could be reversedas appropriate.

[0113] Referring now to FIGS. 29 to 31, an alternative seat articulationmechanism is shown allowing movement of the chair between a seatposition and a bed position.

[0114]FIGS. 29a) to d) illustrate the various principle components inthe arrangement, shown in bold, as appropriate for clarity. The seatincludes a seat back 420, a seat portion 422 and a leg rest 424. Theseat further includes a movable back shell 426.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 29b) the seat includes a first fixed guide 428having a guide slot 430. The seat back 420 includes a bracket 432 andguide bearing 434 received in the guide slot 430. Accordingly, forwardmotion of the seat back 420 is guided by movement of the guide bearing434 along the guide slot 430 together with a hinged attachment 436 tothe seat portion 422.

[0116] Also connected to the upper end of the first fixed guide 428 isan arm 438 which is pivotably mounted on the first fixed guide 428 atits lower end and pivotably mounted to the fixed shell 426 at its upperend. The fixed shell 426 is also pivotably mounted to a cranked arm 440at its upper end. The elbow of the cranked arm 440 is pivotably mountedto the first fixed guide 428 at a pivot point 442 and is pivotablymounted to and raisable by the push rod of a fluid or other suitablelinear actuator 444 at its lower end 446. The back shell 426 isdriveable downwardly and rearwardly by upward motion of the actuator 444as guided by the arms 438 and 440.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 29c) a second fixed guide 448 includes a secondguide slot 450. A bracket 452 is fixedly mounted to the seat portion 422at its upper end and includes a second guide bearing 454 in the secondguide slot 450. Also shown in FIG. 29c) is a linear actuator 456 forraising the leg rest 424 relative to the seat portion 422.

[0118] The seat portion 422 is additionally guided by a support arm 458shown in FIG. 29d). The support arm 458 is driveable linearly forwardlyby a linear actuator 460 and, as can thus be seen in FIGS. 30 and 31 isformed of two stages 462 and 464 which extend linearly telescopically.

[0119] Operation of the arrangement shown in FIGS. 29 to 31 will now bedescribed. In the seating position shown in FIG. 29, the seat back 420is fully upright and the leg rest 424 is fully retracted. The first andsecond guide bearings 434, 450 are at their rear most positions in theirrespective guide slots 430, 454, support arm 458 is fully retracted andback shell 426 is in its forwardmost and uppermost position.

[0120] In FIG. 30, the seat is shown in a reclined position. The backshell 426 is driven to its rearmost, lowermost position by actuator 444cooperating with guide arms 438 and 440. The support arm 458 has beenmoved forwardly to an intermediate telescoped position by the linearactuator 460 drawing the seat portion forwardly and adjusting itsorientation as determined by the cooperation of second guide slot 450and second guide bearing 454. The seat back 420 is also drawn forward bythe seat portion 422 at hinge 436 as guided by the cooperation of thefirst guide slot 430 with the first guide bearing 434. The leg rest 424is raised by linear actuator 456 (not shown); in addition, a foot rest466 is slidably mounted in the leg rest 424 is driven to an extendedposition by a suitable actuator (not shown).

[0121]FIG. 31 shows the seat back 420, seat portion 422 and leg restportion 424 in their final positions with support arm 458 in its fullyextended position. It will be seen that the support arm 458 is spacedvery slightly from the supporting surface 459 to provide support shouldexcessive weight be applied to the distal end of the seatingarrangement.

[0122] The steps set out above are reversed to return the seats to itsseating position.

[0123] While various embodiments have been described, it is to be notedthat a feature referred to in relation to one embodiment could equallywell be used in relation to the others. For example, the movable andretractable arms of FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5 can be used in the seats of FIG.12 onwards. Similarly, the table. seat control panel and over ancillaryequipment of the seats of FIG. 12 onwards can be used in relation to theseat of FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5. Thus, while various embodiments of theinvention have been described by way of example, it will be apparent tothe skilled person that various modifications and alterations can bemade without departing from the invention. The invention is intended tobe limited only by the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seat for an aircraft, composing a seat portion,at least one side arm and a side member adjacent to the at least onearm, the at least one side arm being movable between a deployedposition, in which an upper surface of the side arm is arranged as anarm rest in relation to the seat, and a retracted position, in which theside arm is moved from the displayed position to create a greater widthof seat.
 2. A seat as claimed in claim 1 in which the upper surface ofthe side arm is substantially flush with the level of the seat portionin the retracted position.
 3. A seat as claimed in claim 1 in which theupper surface of the side arm is below the level of the seat portion inthe retracted position.
 4. A seat as claimed in claim 1 , including aback portion movable between an upright and a reclined position relativeto the seat portion, the side arm comprising a member which is operablyconnected with the seat portion and the back portion to move from thedeployed position to the retracted position as the back portion movesfrom the upright to the reclined position.
 5. A seat as claimed in claim1 , in which the side arm is jointed and pivotably connected with theseat portion and the back portion, such that the side arm articulatesabout the joint as the back portion moves relative to the seat portion.6. A seat as claimed in claim 1 in which the seat portion is movableforwardly to accommodate the back portion in the reclined position.
 7. Aseat as claimed in claim 6 in which the side arm is movable forwardlywith the seat portion.
 8. A seat as claimed in claim 1 in which the sidearm comprises an inflatable member.
 9. A seat for an aircraft cabincomprising a seat portion, a back portion and at least one side arm, theback portion being movable between upright and reclined positions andthe seat portion being movable forwardly to accommodate the back portionin the reclined position, wherein the at least one side arm is movableforwardly with the seat portion.
 10. A seat as claimed in claim 9 inwhich the at least one side arm is also movable between a deployedposition in which an upper surface of the side arm is arranged as an armrest in relation to the seat, and a retracted position, in which theside arm is moved from the deployed position.
 11. A seat as claimed inclaim 10 in which the upper surface of the side arm is substantiallyflush with the level of the seat portion in the retracted position. 12.A seat as claimed in claim 10 in which the upper surface of the side armis below the level of the seat portion in the retracted position.
 13. Aseat as claimed in claim 9 , in which the side arm is rotatable betweenthe deployed and retracted positions.
 14. A seat as claimed in claim 9including a shell embracing the seat portion and the back portion in theuptight position, the shell having an open front through which the seatportion extends in the reclined position of the seat back.
 15. A seatfor an aircraft comprising a seat portion and a back portion, the backportion being movable between a substantially upright and a reclinedposition in relation to the seat portion, the seat portion being movableforwardly to accommodate the back portion in the reclined position, theseat further comprising a first member arranged toward the front of theseat portion, which member is adjustable as a support to compensate forundulations in the seat when the back portion is in the reclinedposition.
 16. The seat as claimed in claim 15 , including a secondmember arranged toward the base of the back portion which second memberis adjustable as a support, to compensate for undulations in the seat,when the back portion is in the reclined position.
 17. A seat as claimedin claim 15 , in which the first and/or the second member is inflatable.18. A stowable table for a vehicle accommodation unit, comprising abulkhead panel for supporting the table, a table top pivotably mountedto the bulkhead to be pivotable between a deployed position and a storedposition about a pivot point which is recessed in relation to the bulkhead, and a groove defined in the bulk head, the top being receivable,in the deployed position, along the groove such that the top ismaintained in the deployed position when received in the groove.
 19. Anpassenger aircraft including a cabin comprising a plurality of lines offorward facing seats defining aisles, the aircraft having a major axisextending fore and aft generally along which the aisles extend, one ofthe seats to one side of an aisle being in a staggered relationship withthe closest seat on the opposite side of the said aisle such that theyare out of lateral alignment with respect to the major axis.
 20. Anaircraft as claimed in claim 19 in which the seats face forward parallelwith the major axis.
 21. An airman as claimed in claim 19 in which thelines of seats include outboard lines of seats, generally following theadjacent part of the fuselage of the aircraft, and an inboard line ofseats in between the outboard lines, following the major axis.
 22. Anaircraft as claimed in claim 21 in which the inboard line of seatsincludes rows of pluralities of seats arranged in a mutually convergingrelationship.
 23. A seat for an aircraft comprising a seat portion, aback portion which is movable between an upright position and a reclinedposition, and a back shell arranged behind the back portion, at least alower portion of the shell being movable rearwardly to accommodate theback portion in the reclined position.
 24. A seat as claimed in claim 23in which at least the lower portion of the back portion is pivotableabout an axis extending across the seat, the said axis being arrangedintermediate the top and bottom of the back shell.
 25. A seat as claimedin claim 24 in which an upper portion of the back shell, above the saidaxis, is arranged to tilt forwardly as the lower portion movesrearwardly.
 26. A seat for an aircraft comprising a seat portion, a backportion which is movable between an upright position and a reclinedposition, and a back shell arranged behind the back portion, the shellbeing lowerable as the back portion is lowered from the uprightposition.
 27. A seat as claimed in claim 26 in which the back shellinitially moves with the back portion and, thereafter, tilts about anaxis intermediate the top and the bottom of the back shell toaccommodate the reclining back portion.
 28. An arrangement of seats inan aircraft comprising at least one line of seats as claimed in claim 23, and a console for ancillary equipment in front of each seat, theconsole being spaced from the seat in front by a gap in which the backshell moves.
 29. A seat for an aircraft comprising a seat, a console forancillary equipment in front of the seat, a side unit extending from oneside of the seat to the console and having a guide therein, a tablesurface mounted to run along the guide between a stowed position in theconsole and a deployed position outside the console.
 30. A seat asclaimed in claim 29 in which the table surface has the same orientationin the stowed and deployed positions.
 31. A seat as claimed in claim 29in which the guide comprises a channel, the table surface beingsupported by a carriage mounted in the channel for movement between thestowed and deployed positions.
 32. A seat as claimed in claim 29 inwhich the seat includes an arm on either side of the seat portion, theguide extending into one of the arms to allow the table to be drawn upover the seat in the deployed position.
 33. A seat as claimed in claims29 in which the table includes brake means for engaging the side unit tohold the table in position.
 34. A seat as claimed in claim 33 in whichthe brake means are biased to an engaged position and are manuallyreleasable.
 35. A passenger seat for an aircraft comprising a seat and aconsole in front of the seat, the console containing ancillary equipmentfor use by the seat occupant.
 36. A seat as claimed in claim 35 in whichthe ancillary equipment includes a television monitor.
 37. A seat asclaimed in claim 35 in which the ancillary equipment includes a stowedtable which is deployable for use by the seat occupant.
 38. A seat asclaimed in claim 35 in which the seat is configurable as a sleepingsurface, the console defining a foot well into which a front part of theseat projects when configured as a sleeping surface.
 39. A seat asclaimed in claim 38 in which the seat composes a leg rest portion and afoot rest portion which projects into the foot well when configured as asleeping surface.
 40. A display screen console for a vehicleaccommodation unit comprising a display screen, a display screen stowagespace and a stowage space cover in which the stowage space cover ismovable to an open position to allow the display screen to be movedbetween a display position and a stowed position and the stowage spacecover is movable to a closed position to cover the stowage space whenthe display screen is in either position.
 41. A display screen consoleas claimed in claim 40 in which the display screen comprises a TV-typemonitor.
 42. A display screen console as claimed in claim 40 in whichthe display screen and the stowage space cover are pivotally mounted.43. A display screen console as claimed in claim 42 in which the displayscreen and the stowage space cover are pivotally mounted at oppositesides of the stowage space.
 44. A seat for an aircraft comprising a seatportion, a back portion which is movable between an upright position anda reclined position, and a shell arranged behind the upright backportion, at least a lower portion of the shell being movable away fromthe seat to accommodate the back portion in the reclined position.
 45. Aseat as claimed in claim 44 in which at least the lower portion of theback portion is pivotable about an axis extending across the seat, thesaid axis being arranged intermediate to the top and bottom of theshell.
 46. A seat as claimed in claim 45 in which an upper portion ofthe shell is above the said axis, such that the shell is arranged totilt the upper portion forwardly as the lower portion moves away fromthe seat.
 47. An arrangement of seats in an aircraft composing at leastone row of seats as claimed in claim 44 , and a utilities unit in frontof each seat, the utilities unit being spaced from the seat in front inwhich the shell moves.
 48. A seat for a aircraft comprising a seatportion, a front unit before the seat, a side unit extending from oneside of the seat to the front unit and having a guide therein, a tablesurface mounted to run along the guide between a stowed position insidethe front unit and a deployed position outside the front unit.
 49. Aseat as claimed in claim 48 in which the table surface has the sameorientation in the stowed and deployed positions.
 50. A seat as claimedin claim 48 in which the guide comprises a channel, the channel surfacehaving a carriage mounted in the channel for movement between the stowedand deployed positions.
 51. A seat as claimed in claim 48 in which theseat includes an arm on either side of the seat portion, the guideextending into one of the arms to allow the table to be drawn up overthe seat in the deployed position.
 52. A seat as claimed in any of claim48 in which the table includes brake mean for engaging the side unit tohold the table in position.
 53. A seat as claimed in claim 52 in whichthe brake means are manually engageable and releasable.
 54. A seat foran aircraft comprising a movable seat portion and a back portion, theback portion being movable between a substantially upright position anda reclined position, the seat portion being arranged to tilt backwardlyas the seat reclines to cradle the hips of a user in the junctionbetween the seat and the back portion.
 55. A seat as claimed in claim 54in which the seat portion is movable to accommodate movement of the backportion between the upright and reclined positions.
 56. A seat asclaimed in claim 54 in which the seat and back portions are configurableas a bed, the seat portion being arranged to tilt forwardly in the bedposition substantially parallel with the back portion.
 57. A seat for anaircraft comprising a seat and a front unit for the seat defining arecess into which the legs of a user of the seat can project, at least aportion of the front unit being movable forwardly to provide an extendedspace for the user's legs in front of the seat.
 58. A seat for anaircraft as claimed in claim 57 in which the front unit comprises aforward bulkhead portion that is movable forwardly to provide theextended space.
 59. A seat for an aircraft comprising a seat portion anda back portion, the back portion being moveable between a substantiallyupright and a reclined position in relation to the seat portion, theseat portion being moveable forwardly to accommodate the back portion inthe reclined position, the seat portion including a supporting doilywheel extending from its underside.